A Support And Educational Blog for Parents with Hurting and Troubled Teens

Prayer for Prodigals

Today, June 2nd, is the annual Worldwide Day of Prayer for Prodigals. Do you have a son or daughter who has strayed from God? Are they in a place that is far from you physically, mentally or spiritually? Are they running away from the very things that can bring them healing? Are they trapped in addictions, lifestyles, illnesses and disorders that have pulled themselves away from you and God?

Thousands of parents across the world are praying, hoping, longing to have their children come back. In God’s Word, Jesus shares a parable of a lost son in Luke 15:11-32. I believe this parable was shared because Jesus knew many of us parents would struggle with worry and despair over our own lost children. This parable gives such hope and encouragement.

No matter what situation your sons or daughters are in, God is the God of hope, restoration, and healing. He can move in ways that we cannot see, shine light in the darkness and set the captive (our children) free. In order for those to happen is to pray. Pray! Pray! and Pray! Even when you feel all is lost and little hope….PRAY!

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he beganto be in need.15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Dear Heavenly Father,

May you reach out to our children who are hurting, lost, broken and needing of healing. Lord Jesus, break the chains that keep them in the darkness, filled with pain and no hope. Draw them back to you, O God. Allow them to see the depths of Your love, O Lord. Help us as parents to never give up. Help us to continually, ask, seek, and knock until we get our children back. When we as parents hurt, give us comfort. When we worry, give us peace. When we are in despair, give us hope. For you, O Lord, are our rock, our anchor. Thank you Heavenly Father for hearing our prayers. In the Name of Jesus!

About Me!

Growing up in the Northeast, the only dreams I had for my life was to grow closer to my Heavenly Father, be happily married, and have an easy road to raising wonderful and successful children. I think God was laughing at that last part.

As you can guess, it wasn’t easy at all. In fact, it was hard. Raising teens in this world is the most difficult job to do. Even more difficult, when they become a teen in crisis.

From the darkest trials into the depths of depression, to the biggest milestones and the ultimate victories, I was able to weather the worst of storms with Christ at the helm.

My journey as a parent to a teen in crisis led me through the tsunami of issues no parent wants to be confronted with; Self-harm, suicidal tendencies, body issues, porn, abandonment and rejection, as well as PTSD. These were only the beginning waves of what was yet to come.

How does one get through these parenting struggles? Christ was my living anchor of hope and promise. He showed me how to take hold and be lifted up when I felt like I was ready to drown. Even through that very painful period, the Lord was beginning to reveal His plan and use those crisis situations for His glory.

Today, I continue God’s call on my life by sharing stories from the heart and using His Word. No more should parents feel alone and ashamed. It is time to be encouraged and uplifted. God is your Anchor of Promise – Hebrews 6:19.

Wife to my husband Dan of 34 years, I am also mom of two daughters, 2 cats and 2 dogs. My book, Turn The Tide of Emotional Turbulence: Devotions for Parents With Teens in Crisis will be out in Spring 2019.

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